Diaby - Don't hype him too much, Barcelona will want him

Abou Diaby continued his excellent early season form by scoring France's winning goal in their opening World Cup qualifier (video below) rubber-stamping his return from his injury hell.

He was able to make just five appearances last season, and it was a write-off. When it was announced he was fit for the start of this season, he was half-expected to break down 20 minutes into his opening game, as Kieron Dyer did for QPR a year earlier.

The Frenchman has surprised everybody, not just in staying fit, but in the level of his performances. He is a man on a mission to make up for lost time, at 26 he should be approaching his peak over the next three to four years.

He is a player who has the lot, physical presence, attacking and defensive ability, a fierce shot, and a subtle touch. After the terrible time he has endured over the past few seasons, he deserves all the praise he gets.

Here are a few examples from the past week:

Didier Deschamps: "This is a complete midfielder, able to do everything, including scoring. Of course I prefer to have him at my disposal."

Arsene Wenger: "If he is fit and healthy, Diaby has the talent. You can see he is massive for us because he has everything you want in a midfielder."

Guy Roux: "Diaby is a rare player, when he is in full possession of his means. No player in his place knows how to do what he does. Abou is a gift of nature for a coach and all lovers of football. He can eliminate four or five players in a row without retreat. He has a touch of the ball and a great vision of the game."

Clearly he is held in high regard by those who know what they are talking about at the top level. Of course the question remains over whether he can stay fit, but he may just find he has turned a corner.

A dilemma awaits manager Arsene Wenger once Jack Wilshere returns too, as to how they can fit Arteta, Diaby, Cazorla, and Wilshere into the same midfield, but let's face it, it is a nice problem to have.

The superlatives will keep on coming for Diaby as the season continues, and the whole world will continue to take notice. But the best thing might just be to keep him under wraps.

Otherwise the next logical progression? A £15 million bid from Manchester City or Barcelona. Then Diaby will know he has really made it. Fans can only hope if such a scenario ever did arrive, the player would have the loyalty to Arsenal to repay his debt of sticking by him when they could have given up on him.

Do you believe Diaby has turned a corner in his injury fight? How will the side line up when Wilshere returns?